Fiber termination enclosure with modular plate assemblies

ABSTRACT

Certain types of fiber termination enclosures include an enclosure and at least one of a plurality of plate module mounting assemblies. Example plate module mounting assemblies include a termination panel plate assembly; a splice tray plate assembly; a cable spool plate assembly; and a drop-in plate assembly. Example cable spool plate assemblies include a cable spool arrangement rotationally coupled to a mounting plate, which fixedly mounts within the enclosure housing. A stand-off mount element may be disposed on the front of the cable spool arrangement to rotate in unison with the cable spool arrangement. The stand-off mount element may include one or more termination adapters.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/127,851, filed Feb. 12, 2014, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,223,106,which is a National Stage of PCT/US2012/043827, filed Jun. 22, 2012,which claims the benefit of U.S. Application Nos. 61,500,764, filed Jun.24, 2011, and titled “Fiber Termination Enclosure with Modular PlateAssemblies;” 61/507,270, filed Jul. 13, 2011, and titled “FiberTermination Enclosure with Modular Plate Assemblies;” 61/500,769, filedJun. 24, 2011, and titled “Fiber Termination Enclosure with InternalCable Spool Assembly;” and 61/507,263, filed Jul. 13, 2011, and titled“Fiber Termination Enclosure with Internal Cable Spool Assembly,” thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to fiber optic enclosure, and moreparticularly, to a fiber optic enclosure with cable payout.

BACKGROUND

As demand for the telecommunication services increases, fiber opticnetworks are being extended in more and more areas (e.g., multipledwelling units, apartments, condominiums, businesses, distributedantenna systems, cell towers, rural areas, single family residences).This growth has been particularly notable in the area of wirelesscommunications, e.g., cellular, personal communication services (PCS)and other mobile radio systems. To efficiently distribute fiber opticservices to these various different subscribers, system designflexibility is significant. System design flexibility can include theability to efficiently provide different varying fiber optic cablelengths and the ability to efficiently provide fiber optic enclosureshaving interior components customized to meet a given customer's needs.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a fiber optic enclosureassembly. The fiber optic enclosure includes an enclosure housing thatis adapted to optically connect incoming fibers to outgoing fibers. Oneor more modular plate assemblies may be mounted within an interior ofthe enclosure to customize the fiber optic enclosure.

In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, certain types ofmodular plate assemblies include termination adapter arrangements. Inaccordance with some aspects of the disclosure, certain types of modularplate assemblies include splice trays arrangements. In accordance withsome aspects of the disclosure, certain types of modular plateassemblies include cable spool arrangements.

In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, modular cable portarrangements may be disposed at the enclosure housing. In someimplementations, various types of modular cable port arrangements can beselectively mounted at the enclosure housing.

In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure, a cable spoolarrangement is connected to an interior of the enclosure to rotaterelative to the enclosure. One or more fiber cables may be paid out fromthe enclosure by pulling one end of the fiber cable through a cable portto unwind the fiber cable from the cable spool arrangement. In certainimplementations, one or more adapters may be disposed on the cable spoolarrangement to rotate in unison with the cable spool arrangement. Incertain implementations, the termination adapters are disposed on astand-off mount element that is spaced from the cable spool arrangement,but configured to rotate in unison with the cable spool arrangement.

A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the descriptionthat follows. These aspects can relate to individual features and tocombinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoinggeneral description and the following detailed description are exemplaryand explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad concepts uponwhich the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fiber termination enclosure having anexample mounting assembly disposed therein in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front, top perspective view of an example fiber terminationenclosure including an enclosure configured in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure and shown with a door in a closedposition;

FIG. 3 is a front, bottom perspective view of the example fibertermination enclosure of FIG. 2 in which two cable port modules arevisible;

FIG. 4 is a front, top perspective view of the example fiber terminationenclosure of FIG. 2 shown with the door in the open position and a cablespool mounting assembly exploded from the interior of the enclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the fiber termination enclosure of FIG.4 configured in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 6 is a front, top perspective view of the example fiber terminationenclosure of FIG. 4 in which with the cable spool mounting assembly isexploded to show various example components of the cable spool mountingassembly including a mounting plate, a cable spool arrangement, and astand-off mount element;

FIG. 7 is a front, top perspective view of the example fiber terminationenclosure of FIG. 6 shown with the cable spool mounting assemblyinstalled within the interior of the enclosure housing;

FIG. 8 is a front, top perspective view of the example fiber terminationenclosure of FIG. 2 shown with an example splice tray reel mountingassembly installed within the interior of the enclosure housing;

FIG. 9 is a front, top perspective view of the example fiber terminationenclosure of FIG. 2 shown with an example termination panel mountingassembly installed within the interior of the enclosure housing;

FIG. 10 is a front, top perspective view of the example fibertermination enclosure of FIG. 9 shown with an example cover disposedover the cable spool mounting assembly;

FIG. 11 is a front, top perspective view of the example fibertermination enclosure of FIG. 2 shown with the door in the openposition, an example sliding adapter mounting assembly disposed withinthe interior of the enclosure, and an example drop-in plate mountingassembly exploded from the interior of the enclosure;

FIG. 12 is a front, top perspective view of the example fibertermination enclosure of FIG. 11 shown with the example drop-in platemounting assembly disposed within the interior of the enclosure andpartially cabled;

FIG. 13 is a front, top perspective view of the example fibertermination enclosure of FIG. 12 shown with cabling extending betweenthe example drop-in plate mounting assembly and the example slidingadapter mounting assembly;

FIG. 14 is a front, top perspective view of the example fibertermination enclosure of FIG. 2 shown with an example splice traymounting assembly and an example sliding adapter mounting assemblydisposed within the interior of the enclosure housing;

FIG. 15 is a front, top perspective view of the example fibertermination enclosure of FIG. 14 shown with an example cover disposedover the splice tray mounting assembly; and

FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of a telecommunications networkhaving exemplary features of aspects in accordance with the principlesof the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary aspects of thepresent disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughoutthe drawings to refer to the same or like structure.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example fiber optic enclosure 100.The fiber optic enclosure 100 includes a housing, generally designated110, at which telecommunications cables (e.g., optical and/or electricalcables) can be optically coupled and/or stored. One or more modularplate assemblies 120 may be mounted within the interior of the enclosurehousing 110. Each modular plate assembly 120 includes a mounting plate121 that is configured to mount to the enclosure housing 110 in astationary configuration. Each modular plate assembly 120 includes acoupling arrangement 170 at which one or more optical fibers 182 of atleast a first fiber cable 180 are optically coupled to optical fibers192 of at least a second fiber cable 190. The fiber cables 180, 190enter the enclosure housing 110 through cable ports 101.

In use, the enclosure housing 110 is deployed by securing the enclosurehousing 110 to a mounting location (e.g., a wall, a pole, etc.). In someimplementations, the enclosure housing 110 has brackets disposed on thetop and bottom walls 111, 112. In other implementations, the enclosurehousing 110 may have brackets disposed on other walls to secure theenclosure housing 110 to the mounting location. In still otherimplementations, the enclosure housing 110 is adapted to be otherwisesecured to a mounting location.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate one example enclosure housing 110 having a top wall111, a bottom wall 112 (FIG. 3), a first side wall 113, a second sidewall 114 (FIG. 4), and a rear wall 115 (FIG. 4) defining an interior.The enclosure housing 110 also defines an open front 116 that providesaccess to the interior of the enclosure housing 110 (see FIG. 4). Atleast one cover 118 is coupled to the enclosure housing 110 toselectively close the open front 116 of the enclosure housing 110. Thecover 118 is pivotally coupled to the enclosure housing 110 using one ormore hinges 103 disposed on one of the side walls 113, 114 (see FIG. 4).The hinge 103 allows the cover 118 to selectively pivot between a closedposition (shown in FIG. 2) and an open position (shown in FIG. 4). Thecover 118 can be held closed using locking flanges 117, 119 (FIG. 4). Inone implementation, the enclosure housing 110 is molded from a plasticmaterial. In one implementation, the enclosure housing 110 is moldedfrom a plastic material. In another implementation, the enclosurehousing 110 is molded from a metal material.

In some implementations, the enclosure housing 110 defines one or morecable ports 101 (FIG. 1) at which cables 180, 190 may enter and exit theinterior of the enclosure housing 110. In certain implementations, thecable ports 101 are disposed at the bottom wall 112 of the enclosurehousing 110. In other implementations, however, the cable ports 101 maybe disposed elsewhere on the enclosure housing 110, such as at the topwall 111, the rear wall 115, or one of the side walls 113, 114.

In some implementations, the enclosure housing 110 is configured toreceive one or more cable port modules 150 at the cable ports 101 (e.g.,see FIGS. 3 and 4). For example, the cable ports 101 may define openings155 (FIG. 4) in one or more walls 111-115 of the enclosure housing 110at which the cable port modules 150 may be received. Each cable portmodule 150 receives one or more cables 180, 190. In someimplementations, a first cable port module 150 may receive one or moreservice cables and a second cable port module 150 may receive one ormore subscriber cables. In other implementations, the same cable portmodule 150 may receive both service cables and subscriber cables. Instill other implementations, the enclosure housing 110 may receive aneven greater number of cable port modules 150, each of which may receiveservice cables and/or subscriber cables.

In certain implementations, a variety of cable port modules 150 may beconfigured to fit at the same opening 155, thereby enabling a user toselect which of the cable port modules 150 to mount at the opening 155.In certain implementations, the cable port modules 150 may be removablymounted to the enclosure housing at the openings 155, thereby enabling auser to switch which cable port modules 150 are mounted at anyparticular enclosure housing 110.

Two example implementations of cable port modules 150, 150′ are shown inFIGS. 3 and 4. Each of the cable port modules 150, 150′ includes a portpanel 151 configured to be mounted at an opening 155 defined in anenclosure housing 110. For example, the port panel 151 may define one ormore openings 152 through which fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.)may extend to secure the port panel 151 to one of the walls 111-115 ofthe enclosure housing 110. One or more grommets extend through the portpanel 151. Each grommet enables one or more cables 180, 190 or fibers toenter the enclosure housing 110 while inhibiting the ingress ofenvironmental contaminants, such as water, dirt, and rodents.

A first example cable port module 150 includes a first type of grommet153 and a second type of grommet 154. The second type of grommet 154 islarger than the first type of grommet 153. In the example shown, a cable180 to be dispensed extends through the smaller grommet 153. A secondexample cable port module 150′ includes only the second type of grommet154 extending through the port panel 151. Other implementations mayinclude still other types of cable port modules, each having its ownconfiguration of grommets.

Referring to FIGS. 4-15, the mounting plates 121 of the modular plateassemblies 120 are adapted and configured to be mounted to the rear wall115 of the enclosure housing 110. In some implementations, the rear wall115 defines one or more openings through which fasteners may extend tosecure a mounting plate 121 to the rear wall 115. In otherimplementations, the rear wall 115 may include one or more pegs overwhich the mounting plate 121 may be pressed. In other implementations,one or more panel fastening structures can be attached, secured, ormounted to the rear wall 115. In still other implementations, the rearwall 115 may include one or more pems 104 that are pressed into the rearwall 115 (see FIG. 4). The pems 104 are sized and configured to beinserted through openings 122 defined in the mounting plate 121. Thepems 104 define threaded passages that are configured to receivefasteners that secure the mounting plate 121 to the rear wall 115, orcan be exterior threaded shanks.

In accordance with some aspects, the mounting plates 121 of the modularplate assemblies 120 extend over a majority of the area of the rear wall115. In some implementations, a mounting plate 121 has a rectangularshape (e.g., see FIG. 4). In other implementations, a mounting plate 121may define one or more cutouts 129 or otherwise have a non-rectangularshape (e.g., see FIGS. 9-12). In accordance with other aspects, themounting plates 121 of the modular plate assemblies 120 may extend overonly a portion of the area of the rear wall 115. For example, someimplementations, of the mounting plates 121 may be configured to extendover about half of the area of the rear wall 115 (e.g., see FIGS.11-14).

FIGS. 4-7 illustrate a first implementation of a modular plate assembly120 that includes a cable spool arrangement 130 (FIG. 6) that isrotationally mounted to the modular plate assembly 120. As shown in FIG.5, the cable spool arrangement 130 includes a first storage area 102, asecond storage area 104, and a termination region 108. In someimplementations, the termination region 108 is spaced from the secondstorage area 104, which is spaced from the first storage area 102. Incertain implementations, the termination region 108 is spaced forwardlyof the second storage region 104, which is spaced forwardly of the firststorage region 102 (e.g., see FIG. 4). In certain implementations, thesecond storage area 104 forms part of a protected fiber managementregion 106 at which optical fibers can be separated out from opticalcables.

At least a first fiber cable (e.g., distribution cable) 180 and at leasta second cable (e.g., subscriber cable) 190 enter the housing 110through cable ports 101. Fibers 192 of the second fiber cable 190 arerouted to the termination region 108. The first fiber cable 180 isrouted to the first storage area 102 of the cable spool arrangement 130.From the first storage area 102, the first fiber cable 180 is routed tothe second storage area 104. The first fiber cable 180 is broken outinto individual optical fibers 182 at the protected fiber managementregion 106. The fibers 182 are routed to the termination region 108 atwhich the optical fibers 184 are connected to optical fibers 192 of thesecond fiber cable 190.

The fiber optic enclosure 100 provides an enclosure from which lengthsof a cable (e.g., a distribution cable) 180 can be dispensed followingthe mounting of the fiber optic enclosure 100 to a mounting location.The distribution cable 180 is dispensed from the fiber optic enclosure100 by pulling on an end (e.g., a connectorized end) 185 of the cable180 (see FIGS. 4 and 7). As the distribution cable 180 is dispensed, thecable spool arrangement 130 rotates about an axis relative to thestationary mounting plate 121 of the fiber optic enclosure 100. In theevent that there is a residual length of distribution cable 180 that isnot dispensed during the cable payout, the fiber optic enclosure 100 canstore this residual length.

As shown in FIG. 6, the cable spool mounting assembly 120 includes amounting plate 121 and a cable spool arrangement 130. The mounting plate121 includes a first side 124 and an opposite second side 123. Themounting plate 121 is adapted for stationary mounting to the rear wall115 of the housing enclosure. In certain implementations, the secondside 123 of the mounting plate 121 is configured to be mounted to aninterior surface of the rear wall 115 so that the mounting plate 121 isdisposed within the interior of the housing enclosure 110. For example,in certain implementations, the mounting plate 121 defines one or morefastener openings 122 that are disposed to align with fastener openingsprovided on the rear wall 115 of the housing enclosure 110. Certaintypes of mounting plates 121 extend along substantially the entire rearwall 115 of the enclosure housing 110.

The cable spool arrangement 130 includes a drum 131 extending betweenfirst and second support flanges 132, 133 to form a first cable spool134. The first cable spool 134 defines the first storage region 102(FIG. 5). In some implementations, the cable spool arrangement 130 alsoincludes a termination region 108 (FIG. 5). In certain implementations,a protected fiber management region 106 (FIG. 5) is defined between thefirst storage region 102 and the termination region 108. For example, incertain implementations, in FIG. 6, the cable spool arrangement 130includes a stand-off mounting assembly 140, at which the terminationregion 108 (FIG. 5) is disposed as will be described in more detailherein. The protected fiber management region 106 (FIG. 5) is definedbetween the stand-off mounting assembly 140 and one of the first cablespool 134 (e.g., see FIG. 4).

In certain implementations, the drum portion 131 of the first cablespool 134 is generally cylindrical in shape. The drum portion 131includes a first end portion that couples to the first support flange132 and an oppositely disposed second end portion that couples to thesecond support flange 133. The support flanges 132, 133, which aregenerally parallel to each other, are configured to rotate with the drum131. An outer surface of the drum 131 and inner surfaces of the supportflanges 132, 133 define the first storage region 102 (FIG. 5) withinwhich optical fibers or cables (e.g., distribution cable 180) may becoiled.

The drum portion 131 has a sufficient diameter to provide bend radiusprotection to optical fibers wound around the fiber spool 134. The drumportion 131 defines a central bore that extends through the drum portion131. In the subject embodiment, the central bore is adapted to receive aspindle 129 (FIG. 6). In certain implementations, the spindle 129extends through the bore in the drum 131 and secures to the second side123 of the mounting plate 121. For example, in certain implementations,the mounting plate 121 defines openings 125 at which the spindle 129 isfastened to the mounting plate 121. The first cable spool 134 isconfigured to rotate about the spindle 129 relative to the mountingplate 121.

The support flanges 132, 133 are sized and shaped to retain the opticalfibers wound around the drum 131 in the first storage region 102. Insome implementations, the support flanges 132, 133 are generallycircular. In certain implementations, the support flanges 132, 133 havea sufficient diameter to cover a majority of a surface area of themounting plate 121. In other implementations, however, one or both ofthe support flanges 132, 133 may have a smaller diameter.

In some implementations, the cable spool arrangement 130 is configuredto be releasably locked in a rotationally fixed position relative to themounting plate 121. For example, in certain implementations, themounting plate 121 includes a forwardly extending flange 126 that isconfigured to extend past the support flanges 132, 133 of the drum 131to interact with the front of the cable spool arrangement 130 (see FIG.6). The forwardly extending flange 126 defines an opening 127. Thesecond flange 133 of the cable spool 134 defines an opening 136 that isdisposed to align with the opening 127 of the forwardly extending flange126 when the cable spool arrangement 130 is disposed in one rotationalposition. In certain implementations, the opening 136 is defined in atab 135 that extends outwardly from the generally annular circumferenceof the second support flange 133. A fastener 128 may be inserted throughthe openings 136, 127 to lock the cable spool arrangement 130 in therotationally fixed position.

In some implementations, the second support flange 133 of the cablespool 134 defines an aperture 139 through which optical fibers or cables(e.g., distribution cable 180) may pass between the first storage area102 and the front of the cable spool 134. In certain implementations,the cables pass through aperture 139 from the first storage region 102to the protected fiber management region 106. For example, in certainimplementations, the aperture 139 is located directly adjacent to theprotected fiber management region 106 and allows cables from inside thefirst storage region 102 of the spool to be routed from the drum surface131 to the protected storage region 106.

The protected fiber management region 106 (FIG. 5) provides a mountinglocation for a fan out arrangement. The fan out arrangement includes oneor more fan outs 138 disposed between the back side of the stand-off 140and the front side of the cable spool 134 (see FIG. 4). For example, thefan outs 138 may be disposed on the front side of the second supportflange 133 of the cable spool 134. Accordingly, the fan outs 138 rotatewith the cable spool 134. The cable 180 wrapped around the supplementalspool region 104 can be routed to one of the fan outs 138 whereindividual optical fiber are broken out to form individual fiber opticpigtails 182. The pigtails 182 have ends connectorized by fiber opticconnectors that are inserted into the fiber optic adapters 147 at thetermination field 108 (see FIG. 4). Fiber optic connectors correspondingto fibers 192 of subscriber cables 190 also may be inserted into theadapters 147 to provide optical connections between the subscribercables 190 and the cables 180 routed from the first cable spool 134.

The protected fiber management region 106 also can include bend radiusprotectors 137 attached to the front spool flange 133 (FIG. 6). The bendradius protector 137 can form a supplemental spooling region 104 wherecables routed from drum 131 through aperture 139 can be wrapped/spooledto provide cable storage and cable management. The pigtails 182 also maybe wrapped/spooled around the bend radius limiters 137. In someimplementations, the supplemental spooling region 104 provides strainrelief to the cables (e.g., distribution cables) 180. Axial loadsapplied to the outside end 185 of the cables 180 will be transferredthrough the cable 180 to the wrapped portions of the cable 180. However,the axial loads will not be transferred to the connectorized ends of thepigtails 182. Accordingly, pulling on the first cable end 185 will notdetach the connectorized pigtails 182 from the adapters 147 at thetermination region 108.

Still referring to FIGS. 4-7, a stand-off mount element 140 may becoupled to the front of the first cable spool 134. For example, thestand-off mount element 140 may be secured to the second support flange133 of the first cable spool 134 so that the stand-off mount element 140unitarily rotates with the first cable spool 134. The stand-off mountelement 140 provides a front plate 141 where optical components (e.g.,fiber optic adapters, splitters, splice trays, spools, bend radiusprotector, etc.) can be mounted. For example, fiber optic adapters 147may form a termination region 108 on the front plate 141. Cablemanagement structures (e.g., bend radius limiters, spools, etc.) 148also may be provided on the stand-off plate 141. In the example shown,two opposing bend radius limiters 148 form a fiber spool on thestand-off plate 141.

In certain implementations, one or more legs 142 extend rearwardly fromthe stand-off plate 141 of the stand-off mount element 140. Each leg 142defines an opening 143 configured to receive a peg 145 or fastener tosecure the feet 143 to the front support flange 133 of the cable spool134. In the example shown, the stand-off mount element 140 includes fourlegs 142. In other implementations, however, the stand-off mount element140 may include greater or fewer legs 142. In still otherimplementations, the legs 142 may be unitary with the cable spool 134and secure to the stand-off plate 141.

The stand-off plate 141 is forwardly offset from the front side of thespool flange 133, thereby forming the protected fiber management region106 between the front side of the first cable spool 134 and back side ofthe stand-off mount element 140 (e.g., see FIG. 4). The separated fibers184 in the protected fiber management region 106 are routed around thebend radius limiters 137 or other management structures on the front ofthe cable spool 134 to the stand-off mount element 140. In the exampleshown, the separated fibers 184 have connectorized ends that plug intofirst ports of termination adapters 147 disposed at the stand-off plate141.

Components disposed on the stand-off mount element 140 are spacedforwardly of the cable spool 134. Accordingly, the fiber optic adapters147 are disposed on a different layer or plane than the fan outs 138,which are disposed on a different layer or plane than the first cablespool 134. In certain implementations, the fan outs 138 are disposed onthe same layer or plane as the bend radius limiters 137. The spacingbetween the cable spool layer and the stand-off layer enhances slackstorage of optical fibers routed through the protected fiber managementregion 106. In some implementations, the spacing between the cable spoollayer and the stand-off layer inhibits over-bending of the fibers whenrouted between the fan out arrangements 138 and the fiber optic adapters147.

In certain implementations, the termination adapters 147 are included inone or more termination modules 146. In certain implementations, theadapter modules 146 are sliding adapter modules. Similar sliding adaptermodules have been described in commonly owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,497,444;5,717,810; 6,591,051; and 7,416,349, the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference. In the example shown, the stand-off mountelement 140 includes six sliding adapter modules 146, each holding fourfiber optic adapters 147. In other implementations, the stand-off mountelement 140 may include greater or fewer sliding adapter modules 146holding greater or fewer termination adapters 147. In certainimplementations, sufficient slack length of the separated fibers 182 isleft between the fan out arrangement 138 and the adapters 147 toaccommodate the sliding movement of the sliding adapter modules 146.

In some implementations, the cable spool arrangement 130 may beprecabled at the factory or manufacturing center with one or moreoptical fibers or cables 180. For example, one or more multi-fibercables 180 may be wound around the storage area 102 of the cable spool134. In certain implementations, the multi-fiber cables 180 may beprecabled to pass through the aperture 139 to the fan out arrangement138 disposed in the protected fiber management region 106 (e.g., seeFIGS. 4 and 7). The fan out arrangement 138 separates the cables 180into pigtails 182. In certain implementations, the fan out arrangement138 also upjackets the fibers 182. In other implementations, however,the cable spool arrangement 130 may be cabled with the one or moremulti-fiber cables 180 after the enclosure housing 110 is deployed.

The precabled cable spool mounting assembly 120 is mounted within theenclosure housing 110. For example, the mounting plate 121 is secured toa rear wall 115 of the enclosure housing 110. When the mounting assembly120 is installed in the enclosure housing 110, the second ends of themulti-fiber cables 180 may be routed through one of the cable ports sothat the second ends are disposed outside of the enclosure housing 110.In some implementations, the second ends of the one or more precabledmulti-fiber cables 180 may be terminated at one or more multi-fiberconnectors 185. In other implementations, the second end of a precabledmulti-fiber cable 180 is separated into two or more connectorizedoptical fibers (jacketed or unjacketed). In still other implementations,the second ends of the multi-fiber cables 180 are configured to bespliced to one or more optical fiber cables.

A user may pull on the second ends to dispense the stored length ofcable 180 from the cable spool arrangement 130. For example, a user maypull a second end of a cable 180 to a fiber distribution hub, dropterminal, or other network connection. Because the adapters 147 rotatein unison with the cable spool arrangement 130, the second end of eachmulti-fiber cable 180 may be paid out without interfering with thecabling of the first ends of the multi-fiber cable 180. When the secondends 185 of the one or more multi-fiber cables 180 are each connected tothe network, the fastener 128 may be inserted through aligned openings135, 128 to secure the cable spool arrangement 130 in a fixed rotationalposition relative to the mounting plate 121.

When the cable spool arrangement 130 is secured in a rotationally fixedposition, additional optical fiber cables may be routed into theenclosure housing 110 to secure to second ports of the terminationadapters 147. For example, the additional optical fiber cables may berouted into the enclosure through one or more cable ports defined in theenclosure housing 110. The termination adapters 147 are configured toalign and optically couple connectors terminating the additional opticalcables with the connectorized ends of the multi-fiber cable 180 pluggedinto the first ports of the adapters 147.

FIG. 8 illustrates a second example modular plate assembly 220implemented as a second example cable spool mounting assembly 120 formounting within the enclosure housing 110. The second cable spoolmounting assembly 220 includes a rectangular mounting plate 221 thatextends over a majority of the rear wall 115. A cable spool arrangement241 is disposed on the mounting plate 221 and is configured to rotaterelative to the mounting plate 221 (e.g., about a spindle). Since themounting plate 221 is configured to remain stationary on the rear wall115, the cable spool arrangement 241 is configured to rotate relative tothe enclosure housing 110.

The cable spool arrangement 241 defines a storage area including a drumabout which optical fibers or cables (e.g. of a multi-fiber distributioncable 180) may be coiled. The drum has a sufficient diameter to providebend radius protection to optical fibers wound around the fiber spoolarrangement 241. Rotating the cable spool arrangement 241 dispenses orretracts the optical fibers or cables wound around the drum. In someimplementations, the cable spool arrangement 241 may be locked in arotational orientation relative to the mounting plate 221.

In certain implementations, one or more splice trays 242 are disposed onthe cable spool arrangement 241. Each splice tray 242 is configured tooptically couple together two or more optical fibers. For example, eachsplice tray 242 may optically couple together at least one optical fiberof the distribution cable 180 and at least one optical fiber of asubscriber cable 190 (FIG. 1). Certain types of splice tray 242 may bepivoted between open and closed positions to provide access to thesplices contained therein. In certain implementations, the splice trays242 are stacked upon each other so that a bottom of the stack extendsover the cable spool arrangement 241 and a top of the stack faces theopen front 116 of the enclosure housing 110.

One or more fiber management structures may be disposed on the cablespool arrangement 241. For example, in certain implementations, one ormore bend radius limiters 243 are disposed on a front of the cable spoolarrangement 241. In the example shown, four bend radius limiters aredisposed at a top, bottom, and sides of the cable spool arrangement 241.The cable spool arrangement 241 also defines one or more channels 244through which optical fibers or cables can pass between the storage areaof the cable spool arrangement 241 and the splice trays 242. In theexample shown, the cable spool arrangement 241 defines four openings 244spaced between the bend radius limiters 243.

In some implementations, the second cable spool mounting assembly 220may be precabled at the factory or manufacturing center with one or moredistribution cables 180. The one or more distribution cables 180 may bewound around the drum in the storage area of the second cable spoolarrangement 241. In certain implementations, the first end of eachdistribution cable fiber may be routed through one of the openings 244in the cable spool arrangement 241, around one or more of the bendradius limiters 243, and into one of the splice trays 242 disposed at afront of the cable spool arrangement 241 (e.g., see FIG. 8).

The precabled second cable spool mounting assembly 220 is mounted withinthe enclosure housing 110 to deploy the one or more distribution cables180. For example, the mounting plate 221 is secured to the rear wall 115of the enclosure housing 110 as described above. The second ends 185 ofthe distribution cables 180 may be routed out of the housing 110 throughone of the cable port modules 101 so that the second ends 185 aredisposed outside of the enclosure housing 110 (e.g., see FIG. 8).Additional optical fiber cables (e.g., subscriber cables 190 of FIG. 1)may be routed into the enclosure housing 110 (e.g., through the same orother port modules 101). Unconnectorized ends of the subscriber cablefibers may be optically coupled to the first ends of the service cablefibers at the splice trays 242. For example, each subscriber cable fibermay be routed from the respective cable port module 101 to therespective splice tray 242 (e.g., either directly or after being woundaround some of the bend radius limiters 243 of the second cable spoolmounting assembly 220.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a third example modular plate assembly 120implemented as a termination panel mounting assembly 320. Thetermination panel mounting assembly 320 includes a mounting plate 321that is sized to extend over a majority of the rear wall 115 of theenclosure housing 110. In particular, the mounting plate 321 has aheight that extends over a majority of a height of the rear wall 115 andthe mounting plate 321 has a width that extends over a majority of awidth of the rear wall 115. The mounting plate 321 defines one or moreapertures 322 or pems that facilitate connection to the rear wall 115.

Certain types of mounting plates 321 define one or more cutouts 329. Inthe example shown in FIG. 9, the mounting plate 321 defines a cutout 329at an upper, right corner of the mounting plate 321, thereby resultingin an L-shaped mounting panel 321. In other implementations, themounting plate 321 may have other configurations.

A termination plate 351 is coupled to the mounting plate 321. In someimplementations, the termination plate 351 is a bent portion of themounting plate 321. In other implementations, the termination plate 351is a separate piece that attaches to the mounting plate 321 (e.g., viasnap-fit connection, latches, fasteners, etc.). In the example shown,the termination plate 351 extends vertically with a first side facingthe first side wall 113 and a second side facing he second side wall 114of the enclosure housing 110. In other implementations, the terminationplate 351 has a first side that faces the rear wall 115 and a secondside that faces the open front 116 of the enclosure housing 110.

One or more termination adapters 352 are disposed on the terminationplate 351. Each termination adapter 352 has a first port and a secondport. In the example shown, the first port faces the first side wall 113and the second port faces the second side wall 114 of the enclosurehousing 110. In other implementations, the adapter ports may face therear wall 115 and open front 116 of the enclosure housing 110. In stillother implementations, the adapters 352 and the termination plate 351may be oriented at any desired angle relative to the mounting plate 321.In certain implementations, adapter dust caps 353 may be provided at theadapter ports.

In certain implementations, one or more cable management structures maybe provided on the termination plate 351 or mounting plate 321. In theexample shown, four bend radius limiters 354 are disposed on a front ofthe mounting plate 321. The bend radius limiters 354 are configured toform two fiber spools. In certain implementations, the bend radiuslimiters 354 form a first fiber spool located between the terminationplate 351 and the first side wall 113 of the housing 110 and a secondfiber spool located between the termination plate 351 and the secondside wall 114 of the housing 110. In certain implementations, the bendradius limiters 354 are located substantially below the terminationplate 351. In other implementations, the same or other types of cablemanagement structures may be disposed in different configurations.

During deployment of the termination panel mounting assembly 350, one ormore optical fiber cables (e.g., distribution cables 180) may be routedinto the enclosure housing 110 (e.g., through one or more port modules101). Connectorized ends of the distribution cables may be secured tothe first ports of the termination adapters 352. Additional opticalfiber cables (e.g., subscriber cables 190) also may be routed into theenclosure housing 110 (e.g., through the same or other port modules101). Connectorized ends of the subscriber cables may be secured to thesecond ports of the termination adapters 352, which align and opticallycouple together the connectorized ends of the subscriber cables with theconnectorized ends of the service cables.

In certain implementations, a cover 330 may be positioned within theenclosure housing 110 to enclose or otherwise inhibit access to at leasta portion of the optical components location within the enclosurehousing 110 (see FIG. 10). In some implementations, the cover 330extends from one of the side walls 113, 114 to the termination plate 351to block access to at least some of the fiber connectors plugged intoone side of the termination adapters 352. In the example shown, thecover 330 extends from the second side wall 114 to the termination plate351 to block access to any cables (e.g., service cables) entering theenclosure housing 110 through the left cable ports 101, while allowingaccess to the cables (e.g., subscriber cables) entering the enclosurehousing 110 through the right cable ports 101. In other implementations,the cover 330 may extend across the entire termination panel mountingassembly 320.

In the example shown, the cover 330 includes a front plate 366 and aside plate 367 forming an L-shaped flange. The front plate 366 extendsfrom the second side wall 114 of the enclosure to the termination plate351, thereby covering the bend radius limiters 354 located to the leftof the termination plate 351. The front plate 366 also blocks access tothe second ports of the adapters 352 from the open front 116 of theenclosure housing 110. The side plate 367 extends downwardly from thetermination plate 351 to inhibit access to the second side of thetermination plate 351 from the right side of the enclosure housinginterior. In other implementations, the cover 330 may include two sideplates and be located at a central portion of the enclosure interior. Instill other implementations, the cover 330 may include a planar panelthat extends across the open front 116 of the enclosure housing 110.

In some implementations, the cover 330 defines one or more finger holes368 by which the cover 330 may be installed and/or removed from theenclosure housing 110. For example, in one implementation, the frontplate 366 of the cover 330 defines two finger holes 368. In otherimplementations, the cover 330 may include a handle or other structureto facilitate manipulation of the cover 330. In certain implementations,the cover 330 may be secured in place by a lock arrangement 369.

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate fourth and fifth example modular plate assemblies120 implemented as an example drop-in plate mounting assembly 400 and anexample sliding adapter mounting assembly 450, respectively. The fourthand fifth modular plate assemblies 400, 450 each extend over only aportion of the rear wall 115. For example, each of the fourth and fifthmodular plate assemblies 400, 450 includes a mounting plate 401, 451that has a height that extends substantially over a height of the rearwall 115 and a width that extends over less than half of the rear wall115. In some implementations, the mounting plate 401, 451 isrectangular. In other implementations, the mounting plate 401, 451 isgenerally rectangular with notched corners. The mounting plate 401, 451defines one or more apertures 402, 452 through which fasteners extend tosecure the mount plate 401, 451 to the enclosure housing 110.

The drop-in plate assembly 400 includes a drop-in plate 411 defining oneor more holes 412 at which adapters 413 may be secured. In someimplementations, the drop-in plate 411 is formed from a bent portion ofthe mounting plate 401. In other implementations, the drop-in plate 411is attached to the mounting plate 401. In some implementations, thedrop-in plate 411 extends generally horizontally (i.e., parallel withthe top wall 111 and bottom wall 112 of the enclosure housing 110). Inother implementations, the drop-in plate 411 may be angled relative tothe top and bottom walls 111, 112.

In certain implementations, the adapters 413 are snap-fit or press-fitinto the holes 412 of the drop-in plate 411. In some implementations,the adapters 413 are configured to receive and align multi-fiber (MPO)connectors. A description of example MPO connectors can be found in U.S.Pat. No. 5,214,730, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference. In certain implementations, the adapters 413 areconfigured to receive and align hardened multi-fiber adapters (HMFOCs).A description of example HMFOCs can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,648,520,the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Inother implementations, the adapters 413 are configured to receive andalign single optical connectors (e.g., LC-connectors, SC-connectors,ST-connectors, FC-connectors, etc.).

In certain implementations, the drop-in plate assembly 400 includesfiber management structures to facilitate routing optical fibers orcable between the adapters 413 and other components within the enclosurehousing 110. For example, the drop-in plate assembly 400 may includebend radius limiters extending forwardly from the mounting plate 401. Inthe example shown, smaller bend radius limiters 414 are disposed abovethe drop-in plate 411 and larger bend radius limiters 415 are disposedbelow the drop-in plate 411. The larger bend radius limiters 415 form aslack storage spool.

The example sliding adapter mounting assembly 450 includes at least onesliding adapter module 461. Each sliding adapter module 461 includes aplurality of adapters that are slideably mounted to rails. In theexample shown, each sliding adapter module 461 includes a row of sixadapters. In the example shown, the example sliding adapter mountingassembly 450 includes a first group of two sliding adapter modules 461spaced from another group of two sliding adapter modules 461. In otherimplementations, however, the example sliding adapter mounting assembly450 may greater or fewer groups each having greater or fewer slidingadapter modules 461.

In some implementations, the sliding adapter modules 461 are configuredto slide generally horizontally in a forward-rearward direction relativeto the enclosure housing 110. In certain implementations, the slidingadapter modules 461 slide at an angle (e.g., at least partially in anupward-downward direction). In the example shown, the adapter modules461 are oriented so that ports of the adapter modules 461 face towardsthe upper and lower walls 111, 112 of the enclosure housing 110. Inother implementations, the adapter modules 461 may be oriented to facethe side walls 113, 114 of the enclosure housing 110.

As noted above, additional details pertaining to example sliding adaptermodules are provided in commonly owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,497,444;5,717,810; 6,591,051; and 7,416,349, the disclosures of which areincorporated above.

The example sliding adapter mounting assembly 450 also includes a fanoutarrangement 462 including one or more fanouts. Each fanout separatesoptical fibers from a multi-fiber cable. In the example shown, thefanout arrangement 462 is disposed between the two groups of adaptermodules 461. In other implementations, the fanout arrangement 462 may bedisposed elsewhere on the mounting panel 401. In certainimplementations, two or more fanouts are stacked together so that abottom of the stack abuts the mounting panel 401 and a top of the stackfaces the open front 116 of the enclosure housing 110.

The example sliding adapter mounting assembly 450 also includes fibermanagement structures to facilitate routing optical fibers or cablesfrom the sliding adapter modules 461 to other components within theenclosure housing 110. In certain implementations, the sliding adaptermounting assembly 450 may include one or more bend radius limiters 463(FIG. 11). In the example shown, each group of adapter modules 461 hastwo corresponding bend radius limiters 463 at a bottom of the mountingpanel 401 and at least one bend radius limiter 463 at a top of themounting panel 401.

In certain implementations, the mounting panel 401 also may includeguide flanges 464 (FIG. 11) that facilitates retaining optical fibers orcables within the area of the mounting panel 401. In someimplementations, the mounting panel 401 defines a guide flange 464 oneach side of the mounting panel 401. In the example shown in FIG. 11,each guide flange 464 is bent forwardly from the mounting panel 401. Inother implementations, each guide flange 464 may be a separatelyattached piece. In the example shown, each guide flange 464 extendsvertically to inhibit the fibers from spilling into the rest of theenclosure interior.

In the example shown in FIG. 13, the mounting panel 401 includesretaining flanges 465 defining a guide channel through which one or morefibers or cables may be routed. The retaining flanges 465 include afirst portion extending forwardly of the mounting plate and a secondportion that extends across the fibers disposed in the channel. Forexample, each retaining flange 465 may have an L-shaped cross-section.The mounting panel 401 of FIG. 13 also includes another type of guideflange 466 is T-shaped. The guide flange 466 is disposed between the twogroups of sliding adapter modules 461.

In some implementations, the sliding adapter mounting assembly 450 maybe precabled at the factory or manufacturing center with one or moreintermediate fibers 467. Some example intermediate fibers 467 eachinclude a single optical fiber. First ends of the intermediate fibers467 are connectorized and plugged into first ports of the slidingadapter modules 461. Second ends of the intermediate fibers 467 arejoined at a fanout arrangement 462 to form one or more multi-fibercables 417. In certain implementations, the second ends of themulti-fiber cables 417 are connectorized (e.g., see optical connectors418 of FIG. 13). In other implementations, the second ends of themulti-fiber cables 417 are unconnectorized.

The separate intermediate fibers 467 are routed around from the slidingadapter modules 461 and around the fiber management structures (e.g.,bend radius limiters 463 and/or any of flanges 464-466). In certainimplementations, sufficient slack length of the separated fibers 467 isleft between the fanout arrangement 462 and the adapter modules 461 toaccommodate the sliding movement of the sliding adapter modules 461. Inother implementations, however, the sliding adapter mounting assembly450 may be cabled after the enclosure housing 110 is deployed. As shownin FIG. 13, the connectors 418 terminating the multi-fiber cables 417may be plugged into the first ports of the adapters 418 of the drop-inplate assembly 400 when both the drop-in plate assembly 400 and thesliding adapter mounting assembly 450 are disposed within the enclosurehousing 110.

A first set of additional optical fiber cables (e.g., distributioncables 180) may be routed into the enclosure housing 110 (e.g., throughone or more ports 101). Connectorized ends of the first set of opticalfiber cables 180 may be plugged into the second ports of the adapters413 at the drop-in plate assembly 400. A second set of additionaloptical fiber cables (e.g., subscriber cables 190) may be routed intothe enclosure housing 110 (e.g., through the same or other port modules101). Connectorized ends of the second set of optical fiber cables 190may be secured to second ports of the sliding adapter modules 461.Accordingly, optical signals carried by the first group of opticalfibers 182 may be passed to the multi-fiber cables 417 via the drop-inadapters 413 and then to the second group of optical fibers 192 via thesliding adapter modules 461.

FIG. 14 illustrates a sixth example modular plate assemblies 120implemented as an example splice tray mounting assembly 500. In theexample shown, the splice tray mounting assembly 500 extends over only aportion of the rear wall 115. For example, the splice tray mountingassembly 500 includes a mounting plate 501 that has a height thatextends substantially over a height of the rear wall 115 and a widththat extends over less than half of the rear wall 115. In someimplementations, the mounting plate 501 is rectangular. In otherimplementations, the mounting plate 501 is generally rectangular withnotched corners. In still other implementations, the mounting plate 501has notched sides. The mounting plate 501 defines one or more apertures502 through which fasteners extend to secure the mount plate 501 to theenclosure housing 110.

In certain implementations, one or more splice trays 511 are disposed onthe mounting plate 501. Each splice tray 511 is configured to opticallycouple together two or more optical fibers. For example, each splicetray 511 may optically couple together at least one optical fiber of aservice cable and at least one optical fiber of a subscriber cable or anintermediate fiber. Certain types of splice trays 511 may be pivotedbetween open and closed positions to provide access to the splicescontained therein. In certain implementations, the splice trays 511 arestacked upon each other so that a bottom of the stack extends over themounting plate 501 and a top of the stack faces the open front 116 ofthe enclosure housing 110.

One or more support members 503 may aid in securing the splice tray 511to the mounting plate 501. In FIG. 14, a support member 503 isillustrated as at least one flange bent forwardly from the mounting late501 at one side of the splice tray 511. One or more fiber managementstructures may be disposed on the mounting plate 501 about the splicetray arrangement 511. For example, in certain implementations, one ormore bend radius limiters 512 are disposed on a front of the mountingplate 501. In the example shown, four bend radius limiters 512 aredisposed at four corners of the splice tray arrangement 511. In otherimplementations, greater or fewer bend radius limiters 512 may bedisposed in other configurations.

When the splice tray mounting assembly 500 is installed within theinterior of the enclosure housing 110, two or more optical fibers may bespliced at the splice trays 511. In some implementations, one or moreoptical fiber cables (e.g., service cables) may be routed into theenclosure housing 110 through one or more modular cable ports 101. Oneor more additional optical fiber cables (e.g., subscriber cables) alsomay be routed into the enclosure housing 110 through the same or othermodular cable ports 101. In some implementations, unconnectorized endsof both groups of optical fiber cables are coupled together at thesplice trays 511.

In other implementations, the splice tray mounting assembly 500 isdisposed within the enclosure housing 110 with the sliding adaptermounting assembly 450. In such implementations, the splice trays 511 areconfigured to optically couple together unconnectorized ends of a firstgroup of optical fibers (e.g., from one or more service cables) tounconnectorized ends of intermediate fibers 467 plugged into the slidingadapter modules 461 of the sliding adapter mounting assembly 450.

As shown in FIG. 15, an example cover 600 may be positioned within theenclosure housing 110 to enclose or otherwise inhibit access to at leasta portion of the optical components location within the enclosurehousing 110. In some implementations, the cover 600 extends from one ofthe side walls 113, 114 to an intermediate portion of the enclosureinterior to block access to at least some of the fiber opticalconnectors disposed within the enclosure interior. In the example shown,the cover 600 extends from the second side wall 114 to cover the drop-inmounting assembly 400. Accordingly, the cover 600 blocks access to thedrop-in adapters 413 and to any fiber optic connectors plugged into thedrop-in adapters 413. In other implementations, the cover 600 may extendacross both the drop-in mounting assembly 400 and the sliding adaptermodule assembly 450. In still other implementations, the cover 600 mayextend across the splice tray mounting assembly 500.

In the example shown, the cover 600 includes a front plate 601 and aside plate 602 forming a generally L-shaped flange. The front plate 601extends from one side of the mounting plate 401 of the drop-in mountingassembly 400 (or plate 501 of splice tray assembly 500) to the oppositeside of the mounting plate 401. The front plate 601 also extends amajority of the distance between the top wall 111 and the bottom wall112. The side plate 602 extends from the front plate 601 to the rearwall 115 of the enclosure housing 110. In certain implementations, theside plate 602 defines an opening, cutout, or other routing channel 603through which optical fibers may be routed between the interior spacedenclosed by the cover 600 and the interior space accessible through theopen front 116 of the enclosure housing 110. In other implementations,the cover 600 may include two side plates and be located at a centralportion of the enclosure interior. In still other implementations, thecover 600 may include a planar panel that extends across the open front116 of the enclosure housing 110.

In some implementations, the cover 600 defines one or more finger holes604 by which the cover 600 may be installed and/or removed from theenclosure housing 110. For example, in one implementation, the frontpanel 601 of the cover 600 defines two finger holes 604. In otherimplementations, the cover 600 may include a handle or other structureto facilitate manipulation of the cover 600. In certain implementations,the cover 600 may be secured in place by a lock arrangement 605.

In some implementations, implementations of the fiber terminationenclosure 100 disclosed above may be used in cell site applications. Forexample, certain implementations 992 of the fiber termination enclosure100 may be mounted to a top of a cellular tower or in a but at a base ofa cellular tower. FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of one exampletelecommunications network 910 utilizing such a cell site application.In the depicted embodiment, the telecommunications network 910 is acellular network 910. The cellular network 910 includes a cell site 912,a demarcation point 914, a backhaul 916 and a core network 918.

The cell site 912 creates an area of telecommunications coverage (i.e.,a cell) in the cellular network 910. In one embodiment, the cell site912 includes a tower or mast 920 and a but 922 that is in communicationwith the tower 920. In another embodiment, the cell site 912 includes abut 922 that is in communication with an antenna or a plurality ofantenna. The tower 920 includes a base portion 924 and an oppositelydisposed top portion 926. In the depicted embodiment, the base portion924 is rigidly fixed at a mounting location. In one embodiment, the topportion 926 of the tower 920 may include an antenna. The remotetransceiver 928 may be integrated into the antenna.

The top portion 926 includes a remote transceiver 928 (e.g., a remoteradio head). The remote transceiver 928 is adapted to transmit andreceive signals to and from devices (e.g., mobile phones, smart-phones,devices with wireless internet connectivity, etc.) of subscribers to thecellular network 910. In certain implementations, the top portion 926 ofthe tower 920 includes multiple remote transceivers. In certainimplementations, some of the remote transceivers are backup remotetransceivers. The top portion 926 of the tower 920 further includes amulti-service terminal 930. Terminal that are suitable for use as themulti-service terminal 930 of the present disclosure have been describedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,292,763 and 7,512,304, the disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The fiber optic cable 952 from the multi-service terminal 930 is routedto an enclosure 992 at the but 922. The fiber optic cable 952 includes afirst end 962 and an oppositely disposed second end 964. The first end962 includes a plurality of connectors that are engaged to the innerports of the fiber optic adapters of the multi-service terminal 930. Thesecond end 964 includes a multi-fiber connector that is adapted forengagement to one of the first and second multi-fiber connectors of theenclosure 992.

A jumper cable 966 provides communication between the enclosure 992 andthe base transceiver station 990. The jumper cable 966 includes a firstend 968 and an oppositely disposed second end 970. The first end 968 isconnected to the enclosure 992 while the second end 970 is connected tothe base transceiver station 990. In one embodiment, the first end 968includes a plurality of connectors that are engaged with the second side924 of the fiber optic adapters 920 of the enclosure 992. In oneembodiment, the second end 970 of the jumper cable 966 includes amulti-fiber connector that is engaged to the base transceiver station990. In another embodiment, the second end 970 includes a plurality ofconnectors that is engaged to the base transceiver station 990.

The base transceiver station 990 is in communication with atelecommunications equipment rack 980 through a multi-fiber patch cable982. The telecommunications equipment rack 980 is disposed in the but922. In one embodiment, the telecommunications equipment rack 980includes any one or more of a power distribution unit, a fiberdistribution unit, a transport switch, a mobile router, a mediaconverter, an Ethernet panel, a DSX panel, protection and a battery. Thetelecommunications equipment rack 980 is in communication with thedemarcation point 914. The demarcation point 914 is in communicationwith the backhaul 916, which is in communication with the core network918.

Further details on such a telecommunications network 910 may be found inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/087,022, filed Apr. 14, 2011, andtitled “Fiber to the Antenna,” the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

In other implementations, the fiber termination enclosure disclosedabove may be used with other applications. For example, some fibertermination enclosures may be installed at facilities, such as multipledwelling units, apartments, condominiums, businesses, etc., to provide asubscriber access point to the fiber optic network. Other fibertermination enclosures may be installed on towers located on top of highrise buildings or other tall structures. Various implementations offiber termination enclosures may be installed at walls, H-frame racks,and poles.

Having described the preferred aspects and implementations of thepresent disclosure, modifications and equivalents of the disclosedconcepts may readily occur to one skilled in the art. For example, oneor more pass-through connections may be provided with any of theabove-described types of modular plate assemblies 120. However, it isintended that such modifications and equivalents be included within thescope of the claims which are appended hereto.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A plate assembly comprising: a mounting plate having a first side and a second side, the second side being adapted for stationary mounting to a wall, the mounting plate defines at least one opening through which a fastener may extend to secure the mounting plate to the wall; a cable spool arrangement rotationally mounted to the first side of the mounting plate, the cable spool arrangement being configured to be releasably locked in a rotationally fixed position relative to the mounting plate, the cable spool arrangement including: a cable spool including a drum and a radial flange extending outwardly from the drum to define a storage region, the radial flange defining a front of the cable spool, the radial flange also defining an aperture through which optical fibers or cables may pass between the storage region and the front of the cable spool; a fiber management region including bend radius protectors; and a termination region including a plurality of fiber optic adapters; and wherein the mounting plate includes a forwardly extending flange that is configured to extend past the drum and the radial flange of the cable spool to interact with the front of the cable spool.
 2. The plate assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting plate has a rectangular shape.
 3. The plate assembly of claim 1, wherein the fiber optic adapters are included in sliding adapter modules.
 4. The plate assembly of claim 1, further comprising a cable that is precabled at a factory or manufacturing center to wrap around the drum, to pass through the aperture defined in the flange, and to plug into the fiber optic adapters.
 5. The plate assembly of claim 1, wherein the forwardly extending flange aids in locking the cable spool arrangement against rotational movement relative to the mounting plate.
 6. The plate assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting plate is disposed within an enclosure and mounted to a wall of the enclosure.
 7. The plate assembly of claim 6, wherein the enclosure defines an access opening through which the mounting plate is inserted into the enclosure.
 8. The plate assembly of claim 7, wherein the enclosure includes a door that selectively covers the access opening. 